Georgia partners with Home Depot to introduce students to skilled trades careers

The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) has teamed up with The Home Depot to introduce students to skilled trades careers through a new initiative called Path to Pro Skills Explorers. This free program offers hands-on career-exploration resources for middle- and high-school students, aiming to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skills. State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced the partnership at an event on September 17, emphasizing its role in Georgia’s efforts to become the Top State for Talent.

Skills Explorers includes modules in construction, electrical work, plumbing, and other fields, designed for educators, parents, and youth organizations. The program is part of The Home Depot’s broader initiative to introduce 15 million people to skilled trades careers by 2032. Michael Rowe, Executive Vice President, Pro at The Home Depot, highlighted the need to engage young people early to address the growing skilled labor gap.

The curriculum aligns with Georgia’s existing Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs, providing students with hands-on exposure to high-demand careers. Dr. Barbara Wall, GaDOE’s Deputy Superintendent for CTAE, noted the program’s clear alignment with state course standards, helping students explore career pathways early. Georgia’s CTAE programs also offer industry-recognized credentials and work-based learning opportunities to prepare students for life after high school.

More information about Path to Pro Skills Explorers is available at PathToPro.com/Skills-Explorers.